The city for now is backing off a plan to outsource the cleaning of the city's Wellness Center on E. 11th Street after objections from Councilman Russell Gilbert.
The council was told that using in-house staff it has been difficult to find workers, especially for the second shift. City Engineer Bill Payne said the city's custodial supervisor had been having to work second shift himself at the Wellness Center instead of overseeing custodial operations.
The city got bids from four vendors for a year's contract with the option for two more years of renewal.
Vendors were Metro Janitorial Services, Cleaning Solutions, Jani-King of Chattanooga, and Interstate Corporation.
City purchasing recommended Cleaning Solutions.
The contract was for up to $50,000 per year.
Councilman Gilbert said he was not convinced that the city would save money or the building would be any cleaner by outsourcing.
He said the city offers benefits, which should be an attraction.
Councilman Gilbert said, "We should be able to attract good people."
He said one reason there had been a problem in hiring is that the position is listed as a "crew worker." He said that covered a wide area of duties, including "running a weedeater."
Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod said she would take to social media to alert residents in her district in need of work about the opportunity.
City staffers said they would have a new round of advertising for the posts.